Alabama law could allow more people to vote
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - A new Alabama law defines what crimes will cause someone to lose their right to vote.
Alabama lawmakers approved legislation defining a crime of "moral turpitude" that will cause the loss of someone's voting rights. The measure was signed into law by Republican Gov. Kay Ivey and is aimed at ending confusion over who can, and can't vote, because of prior convictions.
The 1901 Alabama Constitution says people convicted of crimes of moral turpitude can't vote, but lawmakers have disagreed on what those crimes were.
The new list of 46 crimes includes robbery, assault, felony theft and drug trafficking but not drug possession.
Advocates say the law is a step forward in softening the state's policy of blocking ballot box access for people with criminal records.